WOODSBORO — The arsenic level in this quarter’s testing cycle fell below the state’s guidelines for municipal water supplies.

The good news was welcomed Tuesday night during the council meeting and comes on the heels of major improvements planned for the water and sewer infrastructure in the community.

Water samples from the newest 10-year-old water well were drawn Wednesday and will be tested by hydrologist Joe J. Vickers of The Wellspec Company in Dripping Springs. The well has never been permanently put on line since it was drilled.

“They will test for anything and everything,” said Gabe Thomas, public works director. “It usually takes about two weeks.”

The firm will test for bacteria that may have built up on the bottom during the years of non-use.

Thomas said, should bacteria be found, it can be killed by acid and then removed by extensive flushing of the system.

Testing by the hydrologist should cost several thousand dollars , according to Wesley Childers, consultant.

Thomas and Childers are also working on major improvements to the sewer system.

“We’re looking for something we can repair in house,” Childers said.

The consultant said having a reparable system will save the community money in the future.

In matters involving substandard buildings, Rosemary Vega requested that an inspection be done at a Celia Street residence which Vega claimed had leaks, rotten floors and dangerous electricity. Although the mobile home has been on the demolition list, it continues to be occupied.

“What can we do to address this issue?” Vega asked the council.

The council agreed to sent Thomas over to check for leaks in the water and sewer system.

“If it is an immediate threat, he does have the right to inspect it,” said Councilman Jimmy Blaschke.

“He can look at it now,” said Donald Kubicek, city attorney.

The council also adopted a tax rate of $0.7544 per $100 property valuation, the current rate, which is 6/100ths of a penny higher than the current rate.